Mum's appeal for hundreds of cards for brave Tyler

Barnham teenager Tyler Murphy is expected to undergo surgery at Southampton General Hospital this Friday.

Tyler has a brain tumour and has been in and out of hospital for several months.

Posting on his charity Tyler’s Trust’s Facebook page, his very proud mum Jan Ellis wrote: “Tyler is unfortunately quite unwell at present and is going into Southampton hospital tomorrow for further risky surgery.

“He delayed his surgery so that the fun day could go ahead, he makes me beyond proud.

“This is quite a difficult time for us and we may not be able to update everyone very often.

“When Tyler was last in hospital he received 300 cards, this time we are going for 600-1,000. If you can help, please send them to D Neuro Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, Hants.

“The surgery is on Friday so please say a little prayer for us then if you can. xx”

Her heart-felt message received hundreds of replies of support for 19-year-old Tyler, with many calling him a hero and true inspiration.

Pupils at his old school, St Philip Howard in Barnham, have made around 200 cards for Tyler, which head teacher Dave Carter delivered this week.

Observer chief reporter Steve Pickthall said: “We have featured Tyler extensively in the Observer for all the amazing things his charity Tyler’s Trust does.

“They raise money so they can hand special gift boxes to sick children who are in hospital, to make their stay just that bit easier, something that really helped Tyler when he was first in hospital.

“Tyler won our Bravery Award at last year’s Observer Community Awards, and despite all he’s been through, he continues to be a tireless fundraiser, always thinking of others over himself.

“He truly is an inspiration, and everyone at the Observer sends our best wishes and support at this difficult time.”

Despite being so unwell, amazing Tyler still managed to make a recent fun day in aid of his charity, which saw face-painting, lots of fun and a guest appearance from TV presenter Fearne Cotton, a patron of Tyler’s Trust.

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